River running in you and me,
Spirit of life, deep mystery,
Dancing down to the holy sea,
River run deep, river run free...

River laughed on my birthing day,
Wind and water joined in play
Soaked my soul in a shining spray,
River run deep, river run free...

from “River Running in You and Me,”
More Voices, # 163, Ian Macdonald
and Gordon Light

This Sunday we explore the vision in Revelation of the “river of the water of life” – an expression of divine love that, since time began, flows through each of us and connects us with all of creation. How is the river of life depicted in the posters “Mystic River” and “Let the Energy Flow?” Rivers are metaphorically and literally life giving, in what ways can we be part of the healing and restoration of rivers and of creation? What is your vision of the Earth community healed, restored, renewed, and refreshed?

Create a finger river by placing pebbles and sand in a small clay vessel and pour in water on top. Place your fingers into the finger river and recall a story about a river that you have experienced. What stories did the river tell?

• “River,” p. 84 (Adult); “Celebrating the Season of Creation” (Ages 15-18).
• To access Spirit Sightings for connections between current events and the focus passage, visit www.seasonsonline.ca and click on Spirit Sightings.

• The resource sheets engage each age level with the focus scripture: “River of Life” (Ages 6–8); drama “Living in the Roman Empire” and “Apocalyptic Writing” (Ages 9–11); “A Special River” and “Apocalyptic Writing” (Multiage);” “About Rivers and Revelation” with engagement text using poster “Let the Energy Flow” (Ages 15-18) and “Stepping into the River” (Adult)

• There are many options for responding such as water painting, collage (Ages 3-5); water painting, creation with dance (Ages 6-8); finger river reflection, wire sculpture (Ages 9-11, Multiage); multi-sensory centre; group discussion about the United Nations’ “International Decade for Action on “Water for Life” [2005-2015] (Ages 12-14) reflection activities and review of the Season of Creation (Ages 15-18) music and art reflection (Adult).
• (Adult) Bless ritual using the poster “Let the Energy Flow” could also be used at a leader meeting or training session.

• Water painting on different colors of construction paper or arrange to have children paint the outside of the church with water (Ages 3-5).
• Water-based crayon painting; interpretive dance/ movement to music (Ages 6-8)
• Tree of life wire sculpture (bring all kinds of wire, wire cutters, and “optional” beads) (Ages 9-11, Multiage)
• multi-sensory activities with reflection through creative writing or art (Ages 12-14)
• creation of poetry and artwork in response to the vision in Revelation (Ages 15-18)
• Listen to the songs “In God We Live and Move” and “The Peace of the Earth” which have been central to this Season of Creation (pp. 1 and 9 in Music Booklet, also #21 and #10 on Seasons Music CD, vol. 9) (Both songs are available as a downloadable mp3 purchase from www.seasonsonline.ca.)

On October 2 there is a return to the readings in the Revised Common Lectionary with a focus on the Exodus passage and the Ten Commandments. For SeasonsFusion (which inspires worship in a setting for all ages) see the new SeasonsFusion blog and sign up to receive the SeasonsFusion tip of the week.

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